Akayed Ullah, 27, failed suicide bomber reveals motive

A crude pipe bomb that went off in New York yesterday was made out of Christmas lights.

Akayed Ullah’s bomb went off partially when he detonated it as he walked with commuters through Port Authority.

Three other people were injured in the blast.

Akayed Ullah suffered deep cuts and burns ro his stomach and was arrested.

Akayed Ullah told investigators he carried out the attack as revenge for violence against Muslims all over the world. He said Christmas posters made him angry.

CCTV footage shows commuters walking through port authority when a bomb explodes. The suspect is seen on the ground with smoke all around him.

Greg Belpomme, who works in the area, said: ‘As soon as I got out there was about five heavily-armed coppers in the station entrance and outside was just rammed with news crews, police and people all on their phones letting everyone know they’re safe. Police were sprinting between us making sure people were okay.’

Francisco Ramirez said: “From what I saw it sounded like it came from the subway, but I’m just guessing. It was two distinct explosions seconds from each other. As I was making my way toward the outside, I kept getting shoved by cops and there were cops at every entrance blocking and there was police and SWAT everywhere.’

New York City mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed it was an attempted terrorist attack.

He said: “Let’s be clear that this was an attempted terrorist attack. thank god the perpetrator did not achieve his ultimate goals. Thank god the only injuries we know of at this point were minor.

“The choice of New York is always for a reason, because we show that a society of many faiths and background can work and our enemies want to be undermined that. But New York City is blessed with the finest lay enforcement.

“It’s very important for my fellow New Yorkers to know that there are no additional known activities at this time. At this point in time all we know of is one individual who was unsuccessful in their aims. ‘This is the most resilient place on earth, we’ve proven it time and time again. the terrorists will not win, we will continue being New Yorkers — let’s get back to work.’

He added that law enforcement has no reason to believe more attacks are planned over the Christmas period.